Johnny Winter brings blues power to Yoshi's Oakland

Muddy Waters once told a story about the first time he heard Johnny Winter perform.

He was backstage at a club, getting ready for his headlining set, when his ear caught a bit of the opening act. The music was good -- really good. So he just had to come out and take a look. Within moments, the blues legend knew he was witnessing something special.

"He's one of the greatest blues players in the business," Waters said of the young ax man.

What Waters learned that night was something millions of others would soon find out as well, as Winter went on to become a blues-rock sensation in the late '60s and early '70s.

Oh, but how quickly some people forget. These days, it's somewhat rare to hear Winter -- who performs Friday at Yoshi's in Oakland -- mentioned among such fret kings as Eric Clapton, Albert King, Duane Allman and Buddy Guy.

Fortunately, "Johnny Winter: Down & Dirty" serves as an excellent reminder of this guitarist's greatness.

The insightful documentary, which had its world premiere at the South by Southwest film festival in Austin, Texas, recounts the 70-year-old Texan's career with a superb mix of archival clips and new footage.

Winter is incredibly candid and open in the interviews filmed for the documentary, talking at length about his problems with drug addiction and the many ups and downs of his career. He's also very funny, clowning around with bandmates and killing time between tour stops.

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The film feels remarkably intimate, as if we're sitting backstage or on the bus with Winter after a gig. Some of the small moments are the ones that truly stick with viewers, such as when Winter puts on a copy of Robert Johnson's "Cross Road Blues" (aka "Crossroads") on the turntable and simply can't hide his admiration.

"That's so good," Winter said, smiling warmly. "Cream did a version of this, but it wasn't near as good -- not even close. You can't not love Robert Johnson. If you like the blues, you're gonna love Robert Johnson."

The same could be said of Winter. "Down & Dirty" is filled with some tremendous concert clips, going back to his breakthrough in the '60s -- which led him to the Woodstock festival -- and continuing to the present day. All of them illustrate one thing: Winter is one of the greatest blues players in the business.

That's what Waters said -- in an archival TV interview shown in this film -- and it's likely to be restated by those who watch "Down & Dirty."

My favorite scene in the film comes toward the end, as Winter sings -- of all things -- karaoke, at a restaurant with friends. He absolutely pours himself into the standard "Georgia on My Mind" like it's the single most important thing in the world to him. It's ludicrous but also strangely uplifting. Mostly, it's awesome.

Hear, hear. Now, it's time to go hear this legendary blues player when he performs Monday at Yoshi's in Oakland. Showtime is 8 p.m., and tickets are $45; www.yoshis.com.

Also make sure to catch "Johnny Winter: Down & Dirty." Hopefully, it will get a theatrical release -- since the big screen would be a great way to experience Winter's fiery fretwork. Otherwise, look for it on Blu-ray/DVD and streaming/on demand. For more information about the film, go to www.johnnywinterdownanddirty.com.

IF YOU LOVE the HAYWARD RUSSELL CITY BLUES FEST ... : You should know the annual event, a historic treasure of the Bay Area music scene, could use your help. Organizers say the annual event by the Bay Area Blues Society has been hit with budget cuts, and "to ensure the uninterrupted presentation" of the festival, they've scheduled a music-packed fundraiser for 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Everett & Jones Barbeque in Oakland. Performers include Ron Thompson and the Resistors, Fillmore Slim, Big Cat Tolefree, Willie G, Bobby Joe Neeley, Alvon Johnson, Tia Carroll, JC Smith Blues Band and many more. Heck, this would be worth your time even if it were not so important. Tickets are $20-$25 at www.brownpapertickets.com. The festival itself is scheduled for July 12-13; more information is at www.bayareabluessociety.net.